"Daley Sinkgraven is a very accomplished player technically. With his ability to read the game and quality, he'll fit in perfectly with our squad," said Bayer 04 sporting director Simon Rolfes in commenting on the transfer. "Beyond that, Daley already knows how our coach Peter Bosz likes to play and they both worked very well together in the time they were at Ajax," added Rolfes.
The former U21 international sees the move as "an exciting and motivational opportunity to be able to play for a top German club after my time at Ajax. Leverkusen have consistently been one of the best clubs in the Bundesliga for many years," said Sinkgraven. "I'm looking forward to playing in this league and, of course, to the challenges in the Champions League."
Bayer 04 have brought in a versatile left footer in Sinkgraven. "Daley was turned into a left-back in Amsterdam under Peter Bosz but he can also play in central midfield and wide on the flanks," declared Rudi Völler. "His versatility gives us further options. That is extremely important in terms of the opportunity to rotate with such a large number of games ahead of us," added the sporting managing director.
Standing on the pitch where the Werkself players perform - for many Bayer 04 club members, this wish became reality at this year's Members' kickabout. Around 400 active participants of all ages took the opportunity to experience the BayArena from a new and special perspective. And there was also plenty going on in the stands: The event attracted more than 1,000 visitors in total and provided an atmospheric end to the season.
Show more
Lying third in the Bundesliga, the Werkself made a faltering start in 2026 after the winter break, but gradually rediscovered winning ways and, as in the previous campaign, were among the top 16 in Europe and the top four in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Werkself also remained in the race for Champions League qualification right to the end. However, because setbacks repeatedly crept into the Werkself's performances between good displays and crucial games, it was not quite enough to secure a UCL spot in the end. A season with many ups and downs brought sixth place and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Part II of the review of the 2025/26 season.
Show more
Rogier Meijer is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen and returning to his native Netherlands: The 44-year-old will take over at Eredivisie club Sparta Rotterdam on 1 July. Meijer has been part of the Werkself coaching set-up since the start of the 2025/26 season - first as assistant coach to Erik ten Hag, then on Kasper Hjulmand's staff.
Show more
Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
Show more
